
With the Texas Hill Country still recovering from flooding, Gov. Greg Abbott has activated emergency teams ahead of more potential heavy rain.
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has activated Texas emergency response teams as a low pressure system could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding along the coast.
Abbott said the state was prepared to provide all necessary resources to help local officials and urged Texans to take all precautions necessary, especially for those in Southeast and East Texas.
The storm system, designated Invest 93L, could bring “significant” rainfall and an increased risk of rip currents along the Texas coast.
On Thursday, meteorologist Jeff Gerber noted that some Louisiana cities experienced heavy rain overnight since the bulk of the activity has been concentrated on the system’s west side. Experts predict most of Southeast Texas may only see 1 to 2 inches of rain, with the heaviest rain expected Friday.
Following Abbott’s orders, the Texas Division of Emergency Management is deploying the following resources for response operations:
- Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to help with flood rescues through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
- Strike teams consisting of personnel and fire engines to help area departments through the Texas A&M Forest Service
- Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles through the Texas Department of State Health Services
- High-profile vehicles to help stranded drivers through the Texas National Guard
- Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers and a Tactical Marine Unit through the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Disaster assessment and recovery agents to support agricultural and livestock needs through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Air, water and wastewater monitoring provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply, along with communication with the oil and gas industry, will be done through the Railroad Commission of Texas
- Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers will be done by the Public Utility Commission of Texas
These proactive measures come as the state continues to recover from recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 130 people have died so far.
For more weather safety information, visit Texas Ready. Other preparedness tips are available through TDEM’s website.